Bidding Guide 2Z19 Main

Points for Game

by Richard Pavlicek

Most bidding guides suggest 26 combined points for game, but experienced players are aware that distribution can greatly lower the HCP requirement. But just how low can you go?

4 5 4 3 2
10
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
—
A K
A K
J 10
A K 8 7 6 5 4 Table Q J
Q J
A K Q
Q J 10 9 3 2
10 9 8 7 6
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
—
—

Would you believe zero? Suppose you are declarer in 4 . Please don’t ask how you got there, as I may have to commit you to the looney bin — let alone your mindless opponents who can make 7 NT wearing blindfolds. In fact they couldn’t lose a trick if they tried.

Brainless West leads a club. Pitch dummy’s heart, ruff in hand, ruff a heart and lead a trump. No matter how they defend, you can establish hearts with another ruff and crash their trumps to lose only two tricks. An overtrick, no less!

Yes, they can stop the overtrick easily enough, but there is no defense to defeat 4 . Does this give you a charge? Do you feel like overbidding? Well, do ya, punk?

Bidding Guide 2Z19 Main Top Points for Game

4	5 4 3 2 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 —
A K A K J 10 A K 8 7 6 5 4		Q J Q J A K Q Q J 10 9 3 2
	10 9 8 7 6 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 — —